SABINA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol cited an Ohio senator for a Tuesday night crash that sent him to the hospital.

Sen. Bob Peterson, R-Sabina, was ticketed for assured clear distance ahead, a minor misdemeanor punishable with a fine up to $150.

"I am very grateful for everyone's prayers and well wishes," Peterson said in a statement issued by his office.

He offered thanks to first responders, doctors and nurses who helped him as well as two men who prayed with him while waiting for emergency personnel.

"I am most grateful that no one was seriously injured. I'm reminded today of how precious life is and how great our community is as you see friends and strangers alike step up to offer a helping hand," Peterson said.

Peterson's 17th District includes all or part of Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties.

Peterson was driving his 2008 Dodge Caravan south on Interstate 71 in Pickaway County when he said he reached for something on his passenger seat and crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer driven by Cardy M. Aladino, 60, of Cape Coral, Florida, at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday, according to the West Jefferson post of the patrol.

Rescue crews had to extricate Peterson from the minivan and he was then flown to Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center. His staff reported Wednesday that Peterson had sustained a wrist injury.